Some comments:
*The phrase "rational emotion" would probably be very misleading in a casual conversation or an argument, and you might have to go to great lengths to explain what it means.
*I suspect the Spock meme is so problematic because it implies that emotion clouds rational judgment (which is true) but goes on to assert that "rational" people need to purge themselves of emotions. When people hear the former, they complete the pattern and think of the latter. As Eliezer points out, there's no reason why we should purge emotions that follow from beliefs.
I have found some success explaining it thus:
"Emotions should be based on facts. (Pause for exclamation) If you feel afraid of touching the stove, and the stove is hot, then you should feel afraid. If you feel afraid of touching the stove, and the stove is cold, then you shouldn't feel afraid. Facts, determining your emotions."
This won't work on anyone inclined to question what "should" means, though, but it doesn't trip nearly as many alarm bells as saying "the Way".
Today's post, Why truth? And... was originally published on 27 November 2006. A summary (taken from the LW wiki):
Discuss the post here (rather than in the comments to the original post).
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